Abstract

Introduction: The epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) among long-term hemodialysis patients has been described in relatively small studies in Iran.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PHT and its relationship among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis (HD).

Patients and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, patients with ESRD treated with HD for at least 3 months in the Imam hospital enrolled for the study. PHT was defined as an estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) equal to or higher than 25 mm Hg using echocardiograms performed by cardiologist.

Results: A total of 69 HD patients were included in the investigation. The mean of age of our patients was 52.6±15.3 years. The mean duration of HD was 39±36 months. The mean ejection fraction was 45±7%. The prevalence of PHT was 62.3%. These patients were more likely to have lower ejection fraction. The PHT was more common among female HD patients. We did not find any association between PHT and cause of ESRD, duration of HD, anemia and serum calcium, phosphor and parathyroid hormone levels.

Conclusion: Our findings show that PHT is a common problem among ESRD patients undergoing maintenance HD and it is strongly associated with heart failure. It is necessary to screen this disorder among these patients.

It seems that PHT is a common disorder in ESRD patients and it is also associated with poor outcomes and reduced survival among these patients. Therefore prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of PHT are attractive target to improve survival of these patients. However, the true prevalence of PHT among ESRD and HD patients is unknown and its epidemiology has been described only in relatively small studies. In a study on 69 HD patients, we found that the PHT is a common disorder and more than 60% of ESRD patients undergoing maintenance HD have PHT. It is more common among female patients and ESRD patients with PHT have lower ejection fraction in comparison with other HD patients.